Hamid Kachmar Bio and Abstract
There is no more comprehensive visual approach to a culture than the insight of artists who belong to that culture. As an Amazigh visual artist, I would like to expose my inner view and understanding of Amazigh visual language through its patterns and symbols. Many studies have been conducted from an anthropological, ethnographic , or sociological vantage point. Yet the visual study of Amazigh culture remains in its embryonic stage. In my presentation, I will not theorize on visual culture in the broader sense, but I want to consider my contribution as an invitation to art and aesthetic scholars to collaborate with native artists in order to better understand the spirit that drives any indigenous creative process within its own social and cultural contexts. From this perspective, I will seek to convey the perceptual language of patterns and symbols represented in Amazigh cultural objects, especially the finely woven tapestry. I will try to build a visual vocabulary based on the predominant elements and techniques and demonstrate the textual aspect of Amazigh art.
